Mark
Mark is the briefest of the four Gospels, and it moves quickly, often using the word “immediately” to carry the story forward. Early tradition connects it with John Mark and the preaching of Peter, and many scholars think it was the first Gospel written. Jesus heals, casts out demons, calms a storm, and teaches in parables, while often telling people to keep quiet about who he is. The disciples misunderstand again and again. The second half turns toward Jerusalem and the cross. Watch for the centurion's words at the crucifixion. Some of the oldest manuscripts end at 16:8, at the empty tomb. Read slowly.
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Mark meditation prompts by chapter
- Mark 1: Before dawn, with a whole town at the door, Jesus slipped away to a lonely place to pray. Where could you find your own quiet place before today's demands arrive?
- Mark 2: Four friends tore open a roof to lower a paralyzed man to Jesus. Who has carried you when you could not walk? Whom might you carry to him?
- Mark 3: Jesus chose twelve first simply to be with him, and only then to send them out. Before you do anything for God today, let yourself just be with him.
- Mark 4: A farmer scatters seed, sleeps and rises, and the grain grows in ways he cannot explain. What growth can you leave to God without needing to watch it?
- Mark 5: Trembling, the woman who touched his cloak came forward and told him everything, and Jesus called her daughter. What part of your story have you never spoken to him aloud?
- Mark 6: Back from their journeys, the apostles were invited by Jesus to come away and rest, though crowds soon followed. Where might today hold a small, real rest with him?
- Mark 7: Jesus led the deaf man away from the crowd, touched his ears and tongue, and sighed toward heaven. Let him take you aside. What in you needs opening?
- Mark 8: At Bethsaida the blind man first saw people like walking trees, so Jesus touched his eyes again. Be patient with your partial sight; he has not finished with you.
- Mark 9: A desperate father admitted that his trust was tangled with doubt, and Jesus did not turn him away. Offer God your own honest mixture of faith and unbelief.
- Mark 10: Bartimaeus flung aside his cloak and sprang toward Jesus, who asked what he wanted. If Jesus asked you that question right now, what would you honestly answer?
- Mark 11: Beside a withered fig tree, Jesus speaks of prayer and forgiveness in one breath. As you stand to pray today, who comes to mind that you need to release?
- Mark 12: Opposite the treasury, Jesus noticed a poor widow's two tiny coins. He sees what your offerings cost you, even hidden ones. What small gift will you bring?
- Mark 13: The disciples admired the temple's massive stones, and Jesus said none would stay standing. What solid-looking thing do you lean on, and how might you rest in him instead?
- Mark 14: At Bethany a woman broke open costly perfume over Jesus while others grumbled about waste. What would loving him extravagantly look like today, with whatever you have?
- Mark 15: Simon of Cyrene, just in from the country, was forced to carry the cross. Some burdens arrive uninvited. Can you carry today's weight walking behind Jesus rather than alone?
- Mark 16: The women at the empty tomb were sent with news for the disciples and for Peter, named just days after his denial. Whatever your failure, hear that you are included.